Zoo Tycoon Unlimited Contests

Photo: A leopard rests in a treetop perch

 
 

 

 

One of the best parts of the Zoo Tycoon Unlimited community is the zoo contests that we often run. So what kind of contests do we run? Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular contests:

ZOTM ( Zoo of the Month) contests for both Zoo Tycoon 1 and Zoo Tycoon 2
Screenshot contests for both Zoo Tycoon 1 and Zoo Tycoon 2
Quarterly contests for both Zoo Tycoon 1 and Zoo Tycoon 2

Ok, so there is a list of the contests, but what does that mean to you? You are probably scratching your head in confusion, wondering just what these contests really are. A ZOTM contest is a monthly zoo contest. ZOTM is an abbreviation for Zoo of the Month. We usually host a new contest each month and we occassionally do some larger projects 4 times a year called quarterly contests. Our contests range from simple to more complex with themes that often fit the time of year. When entering a ZOTM or Quarterly contest entering requires you to send the entire zoo file. A screenshot contest only requires that you send in the picture.

Now that you know what they are, you want to know how to enter. The easiest place to start is to write down or print out the requirements from the thread for easy reference as you build. Using those requirements, create and grow your zoo until you are satisfied that it is ready. If you are entering a contest that requires a screenshot, use the Print Screen function or the in game screenshot function to take the picture. Save it to a spot you will be able to find it later. Open an email window (you can use the links in the Contact Us section to open a window with the address and subject line pre-filled for you) and be sure to attach the screenshot. Alternately, if you are a benefactor you have the ability to directly upload your picture to the thread. If you are entering a contest that requires that you send the zoo file then there is one extra step that you need to perform. Once you have created your zoo and go to save it, instead of using the default save game name, rename the zoo so that it reflects your member name and the contest you are entering. For example, let's say that I was building an April ZOTM entry on the City Zoo map.  I've built my zoo and I go to hit the save button. A window now pops up and instead of just hitting OK when it asks to save the file as cityzoo.zoo I type ZTUnlimiAprilZOTM into the dialog box. Now my zoo file is saved as ZtunlimiAprilZOTM.zoo. This process makes it much easier for the person judging the contest to be able to tell the entries apart.... instead of having 6 or 7 zoos all named City Zoo. See how that could be confusing?  Be sure to attach your zoo file to the email message and please include the following in the body of the email:

* ZTU Forum member name
* Any special notes concerning color theme, special areas, etc...
*MOST IMPORTANT!!! A list of downloads that you used - This ensures that the judge sees your zoo the way it was created!

Check out the picture below for examples (in red) of key parts of your email message:

 

 

 You may be asking yourself a couple of questions right now. Here are a couple of our most frequently asked:

Why should I enter a ZOTM contest?
Sometimes you just want to challenge yourself to create something new, other times you want to show others what you can create. Occassionally we offer prizes to the winners of ZOTM contests, but not all the time. Nearly all Quarterly contest winners are awarded prizes of some form. Details about prizes are often in the original contest thread.

How do I know if it's even worth it for me to enter?
Well, though it is really up to you if you think you are good enough... keep in mind that 97% of our zoo entries are from first timers. Part of the reason we have gone to the current ZOTM format is to help ease members into competitive zoobuilding. Our design workshops are also a great place for you to hone your skills as a zookeeeper. Sadly, some months we get only one or two entries, other months none at all. But you can't win if you don't try. Please don't be intimidated by the contests, they are meant to be fun!